It’s been several years since it was first proposed – but a 150 megawatt wind farm near Tioga is now under construction.
The Lindahl wind project will cost $220 million to build.
It will be owned by Enel Green Power North America. It’s Enel’s first North Dakota wind project.
"This project begain about eight years ago, with a group of motivated landowners who had an interest in starting their own wind farm," said Enel Senior manager of business development Conor Branch. He says in 2014, the landowners sold the project to Tradewind Energy, Enel’s development partner.
"The landowners have been extremely positive about the project." Branch said. "They came out to speak very strongly in our favor at both the county and state level. We've been thrilled at the level of commitment and the outpouring of support they've showed us."
Basin Electric Power Cooperative will buy the power, to help serve a growing need in the Bakken.
"North Dakota has a fantastic wind resource," said Branch. "And it's one of the few regions in the country experiencing a significant growth in electricity demand."
Branch said that makes it a great location for Enel's first North Dakota wind project. Could there be more on the horizon?
"We are certainly always looking for opportunities to continue to expand into the state," said Branch.
Enel currently operates about 2500 megawatts of renewable capacity across the United States. Branch says of that, about 2000 megawatts are wind. He says Enel operates 17 wind farms in 5 states.
